Shanghai Starbucks clone to cough up some bucks

While we're on copycats, Starbucks has won a landmark lawsuit against a Shanghai rival that's been using its Chinese name and a similar logo, ending a long drawn-out battle that has lasted three years. Apparently, some very enterprising (but uncreative) Chinese dude registered the name Xingbake (星巴克) before the Seattle-based coffee giant even set foot in China. Xingbake is the Chinese transliteration and name of Starbucks. Think about a German guy running along to register the name Schtahbaks and you get the idea. Anyhow, Shanghai Xingbake has been ordered to stop using the name, pay Starbucks RMB500,000 in compensation and to issue a public apology. Shanghaiist is reminded that when he first set foot in the city four years ago, there was a Moonbucks cafe situated in the Yu Gardens. Does anyone happen to have a picture of the logo? Send it to us, and we'll take you out to coffee (at the real Starbucks of course).

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